Did a clash of jersey colors really contribute to the USA's struggles in the loss to Belgium?
Mercedes-Benz Stadium — The final score of the U.S. men's national team game on Saturday, a 5-2 defeat to Belgium, wasn't the only thing everyone was talking about. You couldn’t tell which team was which on the pitch because of similar jersey colors between the two sides.
It made following the game a challenge – whether you were watching at home on TV, in the press box, or just walking around the 300-level of the stadium and hearing fans talking about it at halftime. Following the match at the home to the NFL's Atlanta Falcons and MLS side Atlanta United, the USA's forward Christian Pulisic explained the oddity of the jersey combination. 'It was very difficult,' the USA star said to the group of reporters in the mixed zone after the match, no longer donning the jersey but instead dressed back in the team's pregame gear. Pulisic also noted the game's jersey issue was 'not an excuse at all, because both teams deal with that. But that was a bit strange.' The USA wore its new Nike-designed red-and-white home 'Stripes' kit that is supposed to look like a waving American flag. Belgium wore their newly released World Cup away jersey, which is a pink-and-light-blue look that was inspired by Belgian artist René Magritte and the country's surrealist art movement. Photos of the jerseys look different enough, but in person it caused issues. It was even more frustrating for the players. Pulisic, who plays for Italian club AC Milan, said he and his USA teammates had no idea before kickoff that there would be a problem. 'We took off and then saw it,' Pulisic explained. 'Everyone was a bit shocked.' Having comparable colored jerseys on the field can impact decision-making and the ability to react quickly. 'It’s difficult, it’s difficult,' Pulisic added. 'A lot of times, you get the ball, you look up, like, you can’t really lock in on someone, and you can only base it on the color of the shirt. That’s how it works. When it’s very similar, it’s difficult.' - USA Kits Revealed: ‘Stars’ and ‘Stripes’- Jamaica Kits Highlight Bob Marley- Home Kits For Mexico, Argentina, Spain Weston McKennie, the star Juventus midfielder who scored the USA's first goal on Saturday, also agreed about the clash of colors when answering questions in the mixed zone. 'It was definitely a little bit difficult whenever you do a quick glance to tell which was which,' McKennie said to reporters. 'It was almost a 50-50 thing, so you definitely had to maybe take a little more time on the ball before you make a decision or play one touch to a player. 'But obviously we’re not looking for any excuses at all.' A U.S. Soccer spokesperson told us after the player availability that there’s a process that starts well in advance of the game to avoid this kind of situation. In this case, as the home team, the U.S. chose which uniform it was going to wear and asked Belgium to wear its away one. Photos of the jerseys were sent to the referee, which was followed by a match coordination meeting. That allowed everybody to see what the jerseys looked like, and then the referee checked the locker room before the game for an inspection to ensure everything was good to go. Once it became apparent that the colors were too close during Saturday’s match, the question was asked if Belgium could switch to their signature home red jerseys. But the team’s equipment, which included alternate jerseys, had already been sent to Chicago for Belgium’s next match vs. Mexico at Soldier Field on Tuesday. If they had their other jerseys, would Belgium have switched? 'It certainly would have been an option,' the U.S. Soccer spokesperson explained when asked about the jersey in the mixed zone. The USA faces Portugal on Tuesday in its final match before the World Cup roster is announced on May 26. If the USA dons its home kit again and asks Portugal to wear its away one – a white jersey with a frosty-looking blue and green wave on the front – that could create a similar visual clash.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
11 Trendy Pedicure Colors Perfect for Welcoming Spring, According to ExpertsWe consulted the experts to find the cutest pedicure colors for spring so that you can give your toes some TLC right at home this season.
Read more »
USA vs Belgium Predictions, Picks & Odds for Saturday's International FriendlyEnce's Prediction: Expect Belgium to upset Team USA.
Read more »
How to Watch USMNT vs. Belgium on TV, Live Stream: International FriendlyTwo World Cup dark horses clash in Atlanta.
Read more »
Spring Pedicure Guide: Expert-Approved Colors and Tips for Perfect ToesGet your toes ready for spring! Nail artists share the best pedicure colors and tips for a stylish transition from winter to warmer weather.
Read more »
USMNT, Belgium jersey color clash sparks fury from players, fans: 'Really unacceptable'Will Pete Rose now be voted into the Hall of Fame? Joel Sherman weighs the possibility
Read more »
USA Suffers Defeat to Belgium in World Cup WarmupThe United States men's national team lost 5-2 to Belgium in a World Cup warmup match, despite a promising first-half performance. The team's inability to convert opportunities and lapses in defense led to the defeat, serving as a reminder of the challenges at the highest level of competition. Coach Pochettino and the team are focusing on learning from the experience and improving their performance.
Read more »